Inquiry regarding the cessation of number plate recognition cameras (no. 793)
Session: 15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary session
Date: 2025-09-23 00:14
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 62
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 51m
AI Summaries: 62/62 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
The Riigikogu debated the interpellation (No. 793) concerning the suspension of license plate recognition cameras, addressed to Minister of the Interior Igor Taro and submitted by Andre Hanimägi, Riina Sikkut, Reili Rand, Jaak Aab, Anti Allas, Tanel Kiik, and Helmen Kütt. The submitter of the interpellation, Andre Hanimägi, criticized the minister's decision to halt the system in the spring, emphasizing that it is a vital resource for the police in solving serious crimes (drug crimes, missing persons, pedophile networks). Hanimägi deemed the entire process—where the Ministry of the Interior's draft bill was first rejected, and then coalition members came out with an almost identical bill—to be strange and unduly time-consuming.
Minister of the Interior Igor Taro defended his decision, explaining that the suspension of the system was necessary to ensure the protection of the principles of the rule of law and fundamental human rights, given the criticism from the Chancellor of Justice and the Data Protection Inspectorate regarding the ambiguity of the existing regulation. He stressed that a conscious violation would have been inappropriate for a state governed by the rule of law. The Minister confirmed that legislative amendments are being processed quickly (the second reading will take place the day after tomorrow) and that the Police and Border Guard Board (PPA) has been able to solve crimes even during the summer period using alternative, albeit more time-consuming, methods. Taro also answered questions regarding cooperation with the Ministry of Justice and ensuring the rapid advancement of the draft bill in the Riigikogu, confirming that no substantive abuses in the use of the system have been identified, although the formulation of inquiries by the Tax and Customs Board was sometimes deficient.
Decisions Made 1
No decisions were made
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Riigikogu's final agenda item, number 10, concerns the interpellation submitted on June 5 regarding the suspension of license plate recognition cameras, with Andre Hanimäe presenting as the rapporteur.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar introduced the final, tenth item on the agenda, which was an interpellation submitted by members of the Riigikogu concerning the suspension of license plate recognition cameras, and asked Andre Hanimäe to introduce the topic as the rapporteur.
Andre Hanimägi
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Andre Hanimägi is asking the minister why the number recognition system was suspended, what transpired over the summer, which cases and solutions remained unresolved due to that suspension, what the timeline for legislative amendments is, and finally, whether the suspension was premature and if there is political responsibility involved.
Andre Hanimägi
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Andre Hanimägi has issued a sharp criticism of the Minister of the Interior's decision to suspend the automatic license plate recognition system this spring—a resource the Police and Border Guard Board (PPA) deems essential for solving serious crimes. Hanimägi accuses the minister of taking hasty and unjustified action that has obstructed crime solving throughout the entire summer, and is now demanding clarification regarding the ensuing confusion, delays, and the minister's political accountability.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar asks Minister of the Interior Igor Taro to return to the Riigikogu rostrum to answer the interpellation.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Speaker Lauri Hussar thanked Minister of the Interior Igor Taro and invited him back to the Riigikogu rostrum so that the minister could respond to the interpellation that had been submitted.
Siseminister Igor Taro
AI Summary
Speaking before the Riigikogu, Minister of the Interior Igor Taro stated that the automatic license plate recognition system was suspended to protect constitutional rights and public trust, taking into account expert assessments and the positions of the Chancellor of Justice and the Data Protection Inspectorate (AKI). The plan is now to establish clear legal bases and implement the necessary legislative amendments, in cooperation with the Riigikogu and supervisory authorities, to safely recommission the system.
Siseminister Igor Taro
AI Summary
Interior Minister Igor Taro explained the decision to suspend the automatic license plate recognition system (ANTS), emphasizing that the move was based on the precautionary principle. This was done to ensure the protection of fundamental human rights and clarity regarding the rule of law, as the existing regulation was vague and the positions of the Chancellor of Justice and the Data Protection Inspectorate indicated the need for statutory regulation. The minister admitted that the absence of the system complicates police work, but confirmed that it was a necessary step to maintain the credibility of the Police and Border Guard Board (PPA). He expressed satisfaction that the necessary legislative amendments are now being fast-tracked through the Riigikogu, so that the system can soon be legally reinstated.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar thanked the minister and asked Raimond Kaljulaid to ask questions.
Raimond Kaljulaid
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Raimond Kaljulaid highlights the concern of the Security Authorities Surveillance Committee that, despite police promises to verify the justifications for queries made in the license plate recognition camera system to prevent misuse, these justifications are often vague. Furthermore, there is a lack of systematic spot-checking to determine whether these justifications actually correspond to a genuine investigative need.
Raimond Kaljulaid
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The Oversight Commission noted that the justifications for license plate recognition camera queries are often vague, and so far, no systematic review has been conducted regarding their compliance with the investigative need.
Siseminister Igor Taro
AI Summary
Following the session of the Security Institutions Committee, Minister of the Interior Igor Taro conducted a swift internal review concerning the inquiries made by the Police and Border Guard Board (PPA) and the Tax and Customs Board (MTA). The review established that while the PPA's inquiries were correctly executed, there were significant shortcomings in the formal documentation of the MTA's inquiries, which constituted a large volume of the total. Although the random spot check did not reveal any substantive misuse, the current draft bill proposes regular spot checks and audits at the legislative level in order to improve the situation and realize the potential for development.
Siseminister Igor Taro
AI Summary
Following the inspection, Interior Minister Igor Taro stated that although no substantive abuses were identified and the PPA's inquiries were correctly cited, the majority of the queries came from the Tax and Customs Board. Furthermore, the draft legislation establishes the need for regular spot checks and audits at the legislative level.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar asked Lauri Läänemets to come forward and speak.
Lauri Läänemets
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Lauri Läänemets stated that the Estonian police control system is operational and that speed is crucial when accelerating legislation. However, he believes the suspension of camera usage occurred due to stalling by the Reform Party's coalition partner, and he questioned whether this was the work of the team or the coalition.
Lauri Läänemets
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Lauri Läänemets praises the strict internal control systems of the Estonian police but stresses the importance of speed in legislation. He accuses the coalition partner (the Reform Party) of dragging its feet on establishing legal clarity regarding the use of cameras, a delay which he believes has endangered public safety. Furthermore, he asks the minister to clarify whether the holdup was caused by political obstruction or issues with the ministry's workflow.
Siseminister Igor Taro
AI Summary
Interior Minister Igor Taro emphasized that in a democratic society, there must be an impartial assessment, and matters should not be rushed, but rather thoroughly considered and properly discussed, especially since the Riigikogu has progressed since the summer and various institutions, including the internal control of the police, are providing their assessments.
Siseminister Igor Taro
AI Summary
Interior Minister Igor Taro confirms that the commission's decisions are formed based on arguments and an assessment of the situation, not on the basis of a prior agreement, and categorically rejects claims of desperately dragging out the process, stressing that progress has been made virtually every working week. He emphasizes that in a democratic society, an impartial external assessment is necessary in addition to the police's internal control, especially when the situation is unclear, and that all proceedings have been conducted thoughtfully and properly, not hastily.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar calls upon Andre Hanimägi to speak.
Andre Hanimägi
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Andre Hanimägi stated that he shares the conviction regarding fundamental rights and proportionality, and that the activity must be lawful and controlled. He added that the draft bill does not fundamentally change the number recognition system, but merely adds a few clauses. He then questioned why the Ministry of the Interior's original draft bill failed to receive the Ministry of Justice's green light, and why, subsequently, almost the exact same bill was submitted by four members of parliament.
Andre Hanimägi
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Andre Hanimägi agrees with the necessity of proportionally protecting fundamental rights and stresses the importance of the license plate recognition system in solving serious crimes (including pedophile networks). However, he calls into question the integrity of the bill's handling, asking why the Ministry of Justice initially refused to give the green light to a similar bill proposed by the Ministry of the Interior, only for an almost identical version to be later resubmitted by four members of parliament.
Siseminister Igor Taro
AI Summary
Interior Minister Igor Taro emphasized that despite the procedural nuances associated with the Law Enforcement Act and the need to ensure certainty, they acted with great operational speed in finding a solution—doing so within just 24 hours following a lengthy working meeting. He noted that the swift submission of the draft bill by members of the Riigikogu was purely a procedural move designed to prevent delays, proving that assistance was delivered promptly and regardless of the hour.
Siseminister Igor Taro
AI Summary
Interior Minister Igor Taro stated that while the draft bill contained certain issues concerning the principles of the Law Enforcement Act, a solution was quickly identified—following one extended meeting and within roughly 24 hours. Members of the Riigikogu then immediately decided to move the bill forward for proceedings, demonstrating that there was no delay and that aid was provided swiftly.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar addressed Anti Allas and made a request.
Anti Allas
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Anti Allas, conveying the message of a simple person, raises the concern that the right to use license plate recognition cameras was taken away specifically to prevent criminals from running rampant. He then asks what these abuses might look like, how frequently they have occurred, and whether and when an investigation and review will be initiated.
Anti Allas
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Anti Allas brings forward the serious concern of a constituent who suspects that revoking the right to use license plate recognition cameras has fueled criminal activity. He is demanding the minister explain what abuses have occurred, how many incidents there have been, whether an investigation will be launched, and whether court cases relying on camera evidence will now be subject to review.
Siseminister Igor Taro
AI Summary
Interior Minister Igor Taro explained that although no specific abuses were identified, the system was temporarily paused to secure the legal basis and prevent evidence from being challenged in court proceedings. He emphasized that this strategic step back was necessary to achieve a long-term solution and prevent hooligans from rioting, and expressed hope that a resolution would arrive soon after next week's third reading.
Siseminister Igor Taro
AI Summary
Interior Minister Igor Taro stated that no actual abuses have been identified, and the matter was based purely on legal grounds. The court case has been closed, and a temporary halt was implemented to ensure that, in the long run, thugs wouldn't be able to run riot. The second reading is now underway, and hopefully, the third reading, which will bring a resolution, will take place next week.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman invites Riina Sikkut to speak.
Riina Sikkut
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Riina Sikkut discusses the rapid development of technology and the possibilities for widespread human surveillance, raising questions about the boundaries between privacy and security, as well as the technical substance of the upcoming draft bill, including the potential uses of license plate recognition cameras, facial recording, and AI.
Riina Sikkut
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Riina Sikkut brushes aside procedural discussions and focuses on the substance of the draft bill, emphasizing that because criminals utilize modern technology, security agencies must harness maximum technological capability (e.g., AI in processing data from license plate recognition cameras). She simultaneously asks the minister whether the forthcoming law is sufficient for this purpose and where the line is drawn between security and the privacy and freedoms of citizens.
Siseminister Igor Taro
AI Summary
Speaking about the draft bill, Interior Minister Igor Taro stated that all parties who had previously submitted their opinions have reviewed the critical feedback and concluded that the bill is sufficient to move forward. However, technological advancements, including facial recognition, necessitate a reasonable balance between security and constitutional values. Furthermore, the Chancellor of Justice has highlighted deficiencies that must be swiftly resolved, taking into account all technological progress.
Siseminister Igor Taro
AI Summary
Interior Minister Igor Taro confirms that the draft bill under consideration is excellent following the approval of critical stakeholders, but he points out the broader danger that the unrestricted application of technological development could lead to a society reminiscent of George Orwell’s "1984." He stressed the necessity of finding a sensible balance between security and other constitutional values, a balance which the legislature must quickly establish, especially considering the deficiencies highlighted by the Chancellor of Justice.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Speaker Lauri Hussar called on Reili Rand to take the floor.
Reili Rand
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Reili Rand asked why the solving of crimes and the searches for missing persons became more difficult due to the suspension of the police’s license plate recognition cameras, and why it was not possible to simultaneously achieve legal clarity and continue the existing practice or pursue accelerated legislation, which the Social Democrats would have been prepared to support during the summer period.
Reili Rand
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Reili Rand criticized the minister's decision to suspend the operation of license plate recognition cameras before achieving legal clarity, highlighting that, according to police data, this move significantly complicated both the resolution of pedophilia crimes and the searches for missing persons. She further questioned why it was not possible to implement legislative amendments in parallel, while simultaneously preserving the necessary tools for the PPA (Police and Border Guard Board).
Siseminister Igor Taro
AI Summary
Interior Minister Igor Taro justified the suspension or rapid modification of the system’s use, explaining that once the clear objections from the Data Protection Inspectorate and the Office of the Chancellor of Justice had been formally documented, the state would have been knowingly violating requirements derived from the constitution and EU data protection law by continuing the system. Such action would be incompatible with the principles of a rule of law state, which is why immediate resolution was the only sensible and swift course of action.
Siseminister Igor Taro
AI Summary
Interior Minister Igor Taro said that by continuing the system parallel to the legislative process, the state would have knowingly violated requirements stemming from the constitution and EU data protection law. Therefore, a swift resolution was adopted, and the final vote is expected next week.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar asks Helmen Kütt to speak.
Helmen Kütt
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Helmen Kütt asked whether those individuals who were subject to inquiries by the Tax and Customs Board—but against whom no formal proceedings were initiated—were also notified of those inquiries, asserting that the lack of transparency causes public uncertainty.
Helmen Kütt
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Helmen Kütt is interested in whether the individuals who were subject to inquiries (where the justifications provided by the Tax and Customs Board were sometimes insufficient), but against whom no formal proceedings were initiated, were actually notified of this. She stresses that operating behind citizens' backs breeds insecurity and suspicion.
Siseminister Igor Taro
AI Summary
Interior Minister Igor Taro said that the draft bill establishes a clear standard for justifying inquiries, which will allow similar cases to be prevented. He also stressed that all inquiries were identifiable using personal identification codes, but he is personally unable to comment on the practices of the Tax and Customs Board.
Siseminister Igor Taro
AI Summary
Interior Minister Igor Taro explained that while he cannot comment on the specific practices of the Tax and Customs Board (MTA), a review of the inquiries showed that previous requirements for referencing and justification were not sufficiently detailed. Therefore, the purpose of the ongoing draft bill is to establish a firm standard that would preclude similar incidents in the future. He simultaneously confirmed that all inquiries made were identifiable via personal identification codes, and anonymous access to the system was not possible.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar called Vladimir Arhipov to the stage.
Vladimir Arhipov
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Vladimir Arhipov put a brief but pointed question to the Prime Minister regarding the sudden disappearance of the cameras, wanting to know how quickly they would reappear following the Riigikogu Speaker’s gavel strike.
Vladimir Arhipov
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The speaker asks a brief question about why the cameras disappeared and when they will return after the Riigikogu Chairman struck the gavel.
Siseminister Igor Taro
AI Summary
Interior Minister Igor Taro clarifies that laws enter into force on the day following their publication in the State Gazette (Riigi Teataja), not with the strike of a gavel, and confirms that the system, which was previously quickly suspended, will be launched immediately once the law takes effect, thereby meeting people's expectations to utilize this opportunity.
Siseminister Igor Taro
AI Summary
Laws enter into force on the date following their publication in the State Gazette, unless otherwise defined in the law, and they can be implemented immediately once the law takes effect; the suspension was not complicated, and people expect the system to start operating right away.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar invites Jaak Aab to speak.
AI Summary
Jaak Aab asks how the draft bill came about, who made that decision (was it in the coalition council), whether it was prepared by the Ministry of the Interior and took into account the comments of the Ministry of Justice, and notes that the initiators were four members of the Riigikogu—two from Eesti 200 and two from the Reform Party.
AI Summary
Jaak Aab questions the transparency of the bill's initiation process, noting that although the bill was prepared in the ministry, it was submitted to the Riigikogu by four coalition members of parliament, and demands a clear answer from the minister regarding who made the political decision about this method of submission.
Siseminister Igor Taro
AI Summary
Interior Minister Igor Taro stated that the decision came about during the working process following joint discussions, passed its first reading, and four members of the Riigikogu put their signatures to it. One of them even came up to the podium, for which he expressed his great gratitude.
Siseminister Igor Taro
AI Summary
Interior Minister Igor Taro emphasized that the submission of the bill in question and its passing of the first reading was the result of the joint efforts and discussions of four Riigikogu members. After the committee failed, they quickly found the fastest way to find a solution by signing the document.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar thanked the minister, concluded the round of questions addressed to him, and subsequently opened the floor for debate, inviting Andre Hanimäe, the representative of the interpellators, to the Riigikogu podium.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar thanks the Minister, announces that there are no further questions, opens the debate, and invites Andre Hanimägi, the representative of the interpellators, back to the Riigikogu rostrum.
Andre Hanimägi
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Andre Hanimägi stressed that the need to correct the errors that emerged after the committee meeting, coupled with the criticism of slow action, necessitates a faster, yet legally sound solution. This is because the number recognition system is not undergoing fundamental changes, but continues to operate in the same manner. Therefore, control over its usage must be clear, and there must be a proper balance between personal freedoms and security.
Andre Hanimägi
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Andre Hanimägi sharply criticized the confusion and excessive delay following the failure of the Ministry of the Interior's draft bill. He emphasized that, as a result, the police were deprived of a crucial license plate recognition system necessary for solving serious crimes. Hanimägi argues that while individual liberties are important, the new draft bill resolves the legal questions without creating a surveillance state, thereby restoring a vital instrument to the police force.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar requested one minute of extra time.
Andre Hanimägi
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Andre Hanimägi stressed that a balance must be struck between security and data protection, and that photographing and recognizing license plates helps in solving serious crimes. At the same time, he suggested that his rhetoric and the pressure he put on the coalition might have been instrumental in the genesis of the bill put forward by the four MPs.
Andre Hanimägi
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Andre Hanimägi stresses the necessity of striking a balance in society between personal privacy (the photographing of license plates) and state security, noting that the license plate recognition system has proven essential for the swift resolution of serious crimes. He also expresses hope that their inquiry and rhetoric helped pressure the government into addressing this crucial issue, which ultimately led to the drafting of the corresponding bill.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar thanked colleague Raimond Kaljulaid and the Minister of the Interior for their comprehensive answers, noting that the Minister did not wish to take the floor again, and subsequently closed the discussion on the tenth item on the agenda and concluded its consideration.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar thanked Raimond Kaljulaid and the Minister of the Interior for their extensive work, asked if the Minister wished to take the floor, but the Minister declined, and thus concluded the consideration of the tenth item on the agenda, thanking the Minister for his detailed responses.